NEW YORK- JetBlue Airways (B6) has partnered with Amazon’s Project Kuiper to revolutionize its Fly-Fi service, offering faster and more reliable in-flight Wi-Fi starting in 2027.
This collaboration marks a significant milestone for both the airline and Amazon’s satellite network at New York (JFK).
As the first airline to adopt Project Kuiper’s low Earth orbit technology, JetBlue aims to enhance its industry-leading free Wi-Fi, ensuring passengers enjoy seamless connectivity from gate to gate.
Photo: Caden HendersonJetBlue Fly-Fi Free Wi-Fi
JetBlue Airways has been a trailblazer in in-flight Wi-Fi since launching Fly-Fi in 2013, becoming the first major US airline to offer free, high-speed internet on every aircraft.
The partnership with Amazon’s Project Kuiper, a low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite broadband network, will upgrade this service by delivering faster speeds and lower latency.
The rollout begins in 2027 on select aircraft, initially targeting older Airbus A321s at airports like New York (JFK) and Boston (BOS). By 2028, approximately 25% of JetBlue’s fleet will feature Kuiper’s technology, maintaining free Wi-Fi for all passengers.
Project Kuiper’s system leverages a constellation of over 3,200 satellites orbiting 367 to 391 miles above Earth, connected by high-speed optical links to form a global mesh network.
This design ensures high-speed, low-latency internet, capable of supporting streaming, browsing, and work tasks at 35,000 feet.
Unlike traditional geostationary Earth orbit (GEO) satellites, which orbit at 22,369 miles and often have higher latency, Kuiper’s LEO network promises download speeds up to 1 Gbps, surpassing competitors like SpaceX’s Starlink, which offers up to 250 Mbps.
Photo:N585JB JetBlue Airways 2004 Airbus A320-232 C/N 2159 “I Go… | FlickrStrategic Vision and Passenger Benefits
JetBlue’s adoption of Project Kuiper aligns with its JetForward strategy, emphasizing speed, simplicity, and enhanced passenger experiences. “This agreement marks a leap forward in onboard connectivity,” said JetBlue President Marty St. George.
“It ensures customers can binge-watch shows, stay connected, or complete work projects seamlessly.”
The airline plans to maintain its partnership with Viasat, which powers its current GEO-based Fly-Fi, and explore a multi-orbit solution combining LEO and GEO networks for greater reliability.
Amazon’s Project Kuiper aims to deliver broadband to unserved communities and industries worldwide, with JetBlue as its first airline partner. “Connectivity is essential, whether at home or in the air,” said Panos Panay, Senior Vice President of Amazon Devices & Services.
The project, backed by Amazon’s $10 billion investment, has deployed over 100 satellites since April 2025 and plans to launch 27 more this month to meet Federal Communications Commission requirements by July 2026.
Photo: By Anna Zvereva from Tallinn, Estonia – JetBlue Airways, N503JB, Airbus A320-232, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=87516926Future Outlook
JetBlue will begin installing Kuiper technology in 2027, with a phased rollout completing by 2028. The initial focus will be on aircraft with older Fly-Fi systems, ensuring a smooth transition for passengers.
Specific routes, aircraft types, and detailed timelines will be announced closer to the launch. JetBlue’s commitment to free Wi-Fi remains unwavering, setting it apart from competitors like United Airlines (UA) and Hawaiian Airlines (HA), which have partnered with Starlink.
The partnership also positions Amazon’s Project Kuiper as a strong contender against Starlink’s 8,000-satellite network. With Airbus integrating Kuiper’s technology into its aircraft catalog, the system’s reach could expand further.
JetBlue’s multi-orbit exploration may enhance connectivity in challenging conditions, such as dense cloud cover, ensuring consistent performance across its 100+ destinations, including Fort Lauderdale (FLL) and Orlando (MCO).
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